Don't know what to do at gym

[Mayhemmumma]

New gym has opened up in my village, nice and modern, I want to join as I've got a new job that would allow me flexibility to go while my children are at school.

Problem is, I wouldn't know what to do! Seriously. I like the idea of weight and strength stuff but the prospect of going in clueless makes me shrivel with embarrassment and I'm normally fairly self confident.

They offer one free PT session every 3-4 weeks but I'm assuming I would need more than this to go from clueless to confident? I don't want to waste my time or injure myself doing exercises wrong.

So tell me, what do I DO in a gym (be as basis as possible)

I would get a PT session booked ASAP to work out what weights you need to use, show you proper form, how the machines work and what resistance levels to select etc. I can tell you what I do in the gym but if you’re not used to lifting or don’t have the same goals as I do then it’s pretty pointless!

They should give you an induction before allowing you to use anything where they show you how to use all the equipment. Use that an an opportunity to ask questions, they should be happy to give advice based on your age, fitness levels etc.

Ask for an induction session. All gyms offer this because people going gung ho on potentially dangerous equipment would invalidate their insurance pretty quickly!

The induction will introduce you to all the equipment, how it works and how to use it safely. Once you've done that, you'll have a better idea and be able to try out different stuff to see if you like it.

Health and safety should have given you an induction before you even make a start on working out. I’d say a fairly shit gym if they don’t offer this as an absolute basic.

Go for the induction. It really depends on what you want to achieve, your current level of fitness and anything that you might struggle with (for example I had a weak shoulder), how often you go etc.

I do 4 days split into two lower body days, push day and a pull day. My plan comes from my PT but you could ask the staff what each machine does and ask for a demonstration on how to use it properly.

CatJane fitness, Emmagetsfit and Courtney Black on instagram are worth a follow and I think they offer plans.

Thanks yes they offer an induction and thereafter every 3-4 weeks I meant.

Will that be enough? I'm quite nervous - not unfit just not something I've ever done before and feel a bit daft.

@Mayhemmumma

Every one who goes to a gym went for the first time once.
I've been going for years and still feel a bit daft everytime they update the equipment and I have to work out how to use it again
Book the PT to get you started
Have fun

The induction and the PT sessions should be enough to get you started.

The induction should show you how to use the different machines safely, and it’s an opportunity to ask questions about how it all works.

The staff at the gym I go to have also been ready to help if I’ve needed reminders on how things work or if I’ve had questions about new equipment not covered in the induction.

And remember that everyone in the gym was new and feeling nervous about going for the first time once!